Warts

Warts are benign skin growths that appear as small, elevated bumps and can take on different forms, ranging from smooth and flat to rough and cauliflower-like.

Our dermatologists are experts in diagnosing and treating warts, utilizing methods such as cryosurgery or topical treatments to remove them and reduce the chance of recurrence. Contact Pinehurst Dermatology & Mohs Surgery Center to discover a tailored treatment plan that will help you achieve clear, smooth skin.

Symptoms of Warts

  • Warts often appear as small, raised, and fleshy growths on the skin.
  • Some warts have tiny, black dots (clotted blood vessels) that resemble seeds.
  • Warts are usually painless, but they can cause discomfort, especially if located on weight-bearing areas like the soles of the feet.
  • Warts may appear individually or in clusters, known as mosaic warts.
  • Warts can be flesh-colored, pink, or slightly darker than the surrounding skin.

What Causes Warts?

  • Warts are caused by the human papillomavirus (HPV).
  • Warts are contagious.

Can You Prevent Warts?

Preventing warts involves minimizing exposure to the human papillomavirus (HPV), which causes them. Good hygiene practices, such as washing hands regularly and avoiding direct contact with warts, can help reduce the risk of transmission.

FAQs for Warts

Yes, warts are contagious and can spread through direct contact with the wart or through shared objects like towels, razors, or shoes.

To prevent warts, avoid direct contact with warts, keep your skin clean and dry, avoid sharing personal items like towels or razors, and wear protective footwear in communal areas like pools or locker rooms.

Yes, warts can sometimes disappear on their own, but this can take months or even years. Treatment from a dermatologist can help remove them more quickly and reduce the risk of spreading.

Yes, warts can recur after treatment, especially if the virus remains in the skin. Multiple treatments may be necessary to fully remove them.

Warts can appear anywhere on the body but are most commonly found on the hands, feet, face, and genitals.

Watch: What are Wart Infections?

Treatment Options for Warts

Many common warts disappear over the course of a few years without treatment; however, due to their unsightly appearance, many people opt to have them removed through destruction techniques including but not limited to:
  • Cryotherapy (freezing): uses liquid nitrogen to freeze and destroy the wart. May require multiple treatments.
  • Minor surgery: Wart tissue is cut away surgically and the area is cauterized (burned).
  • Topical treatment of medications or films.
  • Injections to stimulate the body's immune system to fight the virus, and others.
Our skin experts can help you determine the best path for wart removal. Scheduling with one of our providers is recommended to help you start your healthy skin journey.